Congratulations on choosing this, the first edition of A Brief History of Equestria!

For far to long, the vitally important role of educating our foals of the history of our nation has been delegated to Folk Lore and word of mouth, while the realities of the past have been documented, stored and educated only to the elite. It is therefore the intent of myself, the Royal Historical Society, and the Royal Ministry of Education to provide the common pony with access to a document that offers as full a history of Equestria as can be practically provided, which is the tome you now hold in your hooves.

Keep in mind that no single book cannot replace a properly structured and scheduled classroom on the subject, and while an Encyclopedia format would give a much more comprehensive narrative, the copious amounts of information would render the exercise counter-productive. As such, this book can only give what amounts to a summary of an abridged version at best. It is my hope that everypony who reads this gains an insatiable thirst for more. Hopefully with further editions, more knowledge can be included, along with a collection of tie-in texts that focus more closely on specific areas of interest.

-Twilight Sparkle, M.B.A., on behalf of the Royal Ministry of Education.

Often, when considering history, it is easy to dissolve it into merely dry facts and dates. Sometimes, however, the actual events, never written down, have a weight all their own.

--A collection of side stories to A Brief History of Equestria that would not fit the scope of the in-universe book.--

From the exciting pages of Spacebattles comes yet another thrilling adventure of Daring Do! In the humid jungles of Zebrica, Daring Do finds a fragment of a scroll detailing the final locations of the four Golden Horseshoes of Mimic the Great and Powerful!

But there are others who seek out these ancient and powerful artifacts! The grave robbing and handsome Rogue Dashing and the mysterious Benefactress seek out the horseshoes to sell them on the black market! And there are darker forces at work, all seeking to use the powers of the Horseshoes to conquer the world! The powerful Duke a la Mode, with his League of Griffins and the sinister Miss Sprinkles. From the depths of the sea rises Reginald Trident and his mechanical army. The gangster Lou Crotta seeks them out for his own nefarious ends. And the abominable Ahuizotl as well.

Yes! All your favorite villains seek in one thrilling tale! Can Daring Do and her friends find the four Golden Horseshoes? Or will villainy carry the day? Read on to find out!